An Immigrants Daughter

By

Karen Jeanette Casillas

Dr. Miguel Domínguez

SPA435-01

March 15,2018
 My parents headed to el “Norte” in the month of January of 1994.They traveled

through a rigorous desert with an intense below average temperature. They came to this

country with a dream. Fast-forward about two years later I came, to 1996: my parents had

their miracle baby after nearly experiencing a miscarriage with me. Behind this event

lead up to my name, Karen Jeanette which means “Pure” and “God is gracious”. My

parents chose my name with a purpose.

Elementary school was probably my most traumatic, and I was my most difficult

experience. I was learning to adapt to a language that I did not speak at home. Aside from

this I had to face the constant bullying for wearing glasses and for being smart. I was told

I was ugly and that I didn’t belong in that school. My elementary years were not

memorable at all.

Middle school, however, was the better despite the bullying I still had to confront.

I attended George Washington Middle School in Long Beach, a school that has been

considered as being problematic and dangerous. Rumors were that its students were

nothing but trouble. I however, I was never was a problem. I was an honor student with

3.5 GPA who demonstrated otherwise of the rumors.

High school was my point of no return. I continued to be known as the smart girl

even when attending Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo High School. I did not let nobody

discourage me from getting good grades in school, although I was told many times that I

did not have the capability to enter a four year university I continued to follow my goal to

be the first to go to college in my family. I was accepted by CSUDH and I knew I had

reached my goal of attending college.

 College has been my most enjoyable educational. The road has been somewhat a

bit difficult because I never really had any guidance towards the process of attending

college. I am a junior with a major in Liberal Studies. I plan to obtain an MA in education

to be an inspiring school counselor in the upcoming years.

My big fear is to receive the news of my parents being deported back to Mexico.

It is a very scary feeling not knowing if the moment that I step foot out of my house will

be the last time I get to see them. If my parents were to get deported, not only would I be

working two jobs and be a full time student, but I would also have to be responsible for

my brother since I would be the only legal guardian he would have it that were to happen.

At this point, I am concentrating on my studies to be of an emotional support to my

family.

I wish to thank the scholarship committee for giving me the opportunity to share

my story, the story of a daughter to immigrant parents. I realize that there are many

worthy applicants and the funds are not enough. I hope to be closer to receive a

scholarship. It would constantly help me to finish my education. More importantly, it

would allow me to achieve a career that pays well, and then, one day, I will elaborate

scholarships for needy students in my parent’s name.